Streamlined silvery body, with green/grey back. Two dorsal fins, first of which is tall and spined, the second is longer and flatter, as is the anal fin. Tail is deeply forked. Unusual scaly lateral line which runs all the way from the tail to the gills and curves upwards over the large pectoral fin. Large eyes and black mark on gill cover.
Distribution
Found throughout the UK in summer months but more common around the south and west coasts, with a separate population migrating from Scandinavia to the coast of Scotland in summer.
Feeds On
Mostly feeds by hunting small fish, sandeels and squid, although will take most edible creatures it comes across including crustaceans. Scad can also filter feed on plankton.
- Scientific name: Trachurus trachurus
- Also known as: Horse Mackerel, Atlantic Horse Mackerel, Common Scad
- Size: Up to 18ins and 3lb. UK shore caught usually under 12ins and 1lb.
- UK minimum size: 25cm/10inches
- UK shore caught record: 3lb
- IUCN Status: LC (Least Concern)
